TENNESSEE DIVORCE PAPERS WITH EXPLANATIONS

The documents listed below are the primary documents for a Tennessee uncontested divorce. You will notice that some of the documents apply with children. If you do not have minor children, these documents are typically not required.

Understanding the Tennessee Divorce Papers:

• Petition for Divorce: The Petition for Divorce identifies the parties, the action and relief sought, including addresses, date and place of marriage, separation date, pregnancy of wife, court orders concerning children, grounds for the action, property and proposed division of assets and debts. The petitioner verifies the notarized Petition.
• Verification: The Verification certifies the accuracy and truth of the Petition.
• Marital Settlement Agreement: This agreement entered into between a husband and a wife establishes the terms and conditions of their divorce and resolving such matters as property division as well as custody, visitation and child support, if applicable.
• Affidavit of Corroborating Witness: This is a sworn statement that at least one of the parts is a resident of Tennessee.
• Schedule for Visitation/Parenting Time of Minor Children: This schedule shows the visitation and parenting time routine for the noncustodial parent.
• Affidavit of Proof for Stipulated Judgment: This form states under oath that both parties agree with the Settlement Agreement and Stipulation of Agreement. This form must be signed in front of a notary public.
• Financial Affidavit (Plaintiff): The petitioner must complete a Financial Affidavit, which must be notarized. The Financial Affidavit provides the court with detailed information about his or her property and debts.
• Financial Affidavit (Defendant): The respondent must complete a Financial Affidavit, which must be notarized. The Financial affidavit provides the court with detailed information about his or her property and debts.
• Affidavit of Appearance and Waiver of Rights: The respondent accepts receipt of the Petition for Divorce, enters an appearance, and waives the formal service of a summons. Signing the form means that the action can move along uncontested.
• Affidavit Regarding the Children: When child custody may be an issue, the petitioner must file an Affidavit as to Status of Minor Child, which documents the residential history of the child(ren) of the marriage.
• Notice of Final Hearing: The petitioner sends this notice to the respondent to inform him or her of the final divorce hearing.
• Final Decree of Divorce: a court order that ends the marriage. It will itemize the specific orders regarding the property, debt, tax, insurance, and child related issues.